History Resources: Pimlico light railway

Pimlico Light Railway

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A fun afternoon with the trains

Helmdon residents are very welcome to come to Pimlico Light Railway Club Days………..

Tucked away in the garden of John and Jenni Roberts in Pimlico is the Pimlico Light Railway. Original designed and built by John about 20 years ago PLR was established officially as a club in 2006 although we had been running for a few years before that..

Whilst PLR is located in their private garden they have encouraged villagers to “come and play trains” for many years since John became the local Benefice Rector.

When John retired he found he had more time on his hands and set up an Engineering Club at the Primary School in Syresham. Here the older children were taught engineering skills and this continued for 3 years. In the mean time John wanted to further encourage the knowledge of engineering and so PLR as a club was established.

There is an adult membership of 15 and there are 10 juniors. In 2009 we gave over 630 train rides for children young and old. We also raised £498 half of which we sent to our charity Send a Cow and including donations the total amount came to £323.

In 2010 we will be running on the 4th Sunday in the months of April to September inclusive from 3-5pm. We charge £1 for 3 rides, as most of the children have more than one, and refreshments available.

This is staffed entirely by the club members who are the drivers and man the station and line as well as set up and pack away before and after every event. Member’s wives and mothers provide the refreshments.

In the closed season there is the maintenance to attend to of both the track and equipment. John has also encouraged the members to become more involved and some of us meet on Wednesdays to restore or build engines and rolling stock.

On behalf of the club we would like to thank you for your kind support and look forward to seeing you in 2010.

Martin Brown (Chirman Pimlico Light Railway Club)